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Gutsy Gathering
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12/09
Wednesday, December, 9th | Time: 4:00 pm PST / 7:00 pm EST
Ostomy Myth-mas – Dispelling Ostomy Myths
The speakers
“As a patient myself, I know just how important support is. During these times, we might be missing out on those gatherings that give us so much support and encouragement. 11 Health is offering virtual support groups for patients to help the wellbeing of those with an ostomy/IBD/colorectal cancer communities. We will be offering groups with dynamic speakers that cover trending topics as well as groups for patients just to get together and talk about what they’re currently facing as a patient.”
Jessica Jay, Ostomy Patient and 11 Health Account Manager
Info
What is Gutsy Gathering?
Gutsy Gathering is 11 Health’s Virtual Support Group for patients who are seeking support for digestive disorders.
Specifically, Gutsy Gathering supports patients who have IBD or Colorectal Cancer, currently have an ostomy, or may one day face surgery for their disease. We are patients, talking to patients.
What Happens?
During a Gutsy Gathering meeting, patients will have the opportunity to share their experiences with a group of peers, all monitored by a licensed 11 Health nurse.
Also, each Gutsy Gathering meeting will feature an expert in the field. All group leaders have resources, training, strategies and real-life experiences.
When do groups meet, and what are the technical requirements?
Gutsy Gathering meets once per month. In order to join the meeting, you must pre-register here, and have access to a computer or mobile device with internet access to launch a ZOOM meeting. (Please download ZOOM prior to the meeting, a link will be provided after you register.)
Upcoming Meeting
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Rules
Support Group Rules
1. What is said in the meeting, stays in the meeting
This is the essential principle of confidentiality and must be respected by all participants.
2. Differences of opinion are OK
We are all entitled to our own point of view.
3. Use “I” language
Share from your personal experience, say “this is what helped me” or “when I was faced with this problem, I …” – don’t give advice unless asked to.
4. It’s OK not to share
People do not need to actively participate; much can be gained by just listening.
5. Its everyone’s responsibility to make the group a safe place to share
Treat each other with respect and kindness. Show compassion and respect confidentiality.
6. One person speaks at a time
Each person should be allowed to speak free from interruptions and side conversations.
7. Share the air time
Everyone who wishes to share has an opportunity to do so. No one person should monopolize the group time.
8. “Headline” your comments
Say the most important part of your comment first. Try to keep your contribution brief and to the point.
9. The group leader may interrupt you
This is to keep the meeting on track.
Dawnette Meredith
Ostomy 101 Inc. President
Dawnette Meredith is the President of Ostomy 101 Inc., a non-profit focusing on empowering patients with the tools and information they need to live successfully with an ostomy. In February 2020, she created and launched the Ostomy 101 Mobile app to increase access to ostomy education, support and information worldwide-at no cost. The App has been downloaded in more than 30 countries, where 27 languages are spoken, in its first 8 months. It is the most widely used nonprofit Ostomy app in the world. Extensive video resources are added to the App regularly to expand content, and many of the resources are available in Spanish.
Dawnette is also the President of the Ostomy Support Group of North San Diego county, co-founder of the Ostomy Support Group Tijuana Mexico, and Coordinator for charitable ostomy supply closets in both locations. Dawnette has consulted on clinical trials, product development and patient engagement projects. Her free monthly Ostomy 101 classes bring in patients from both the United States and Mexico, and are typically held via Zoom.
If that’s not enough to keep her busy, many people also know Dawnette as the founder of the “Awesome Ollie International Ostomy Teddy Bear Project,” helping ostomy groups and hospitals to provide cute teddy bears with anatomical ostomies to pediatric patients across the U.S. She is the author of the “Awesome Ollie Children’s Book,” a rhyming story of Ollie Bear’s journey from ostomy surgery, through recovery, to living as a normal, active and playful bear.
December 2020 will mark the fifth anniversary of Dawnette’s permanent Ostomy surgery, and she continues to passionately advocate and innovate for Ostomy Patients.
Brent Reel
BSN RN CWOCN CWS
11 Health Nurse
My name is Brent Reel and I live in Los Angeles, California. My primary role is as a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse where I work with newborns up to young adult populations. I love being able to connect with patients and their families as they navigate through life with a new ostomy and helping them overcome physical and emotional barriers to this new change. In addition to the work with patients and families, I enjoy serving on internal committees with a focus on developing new ideas and technology to enhance the patient experience along the healthcare continuum. This journey is naturally what drew me in to 11Health and their mission. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dog to the beach, hiking, volunteering, accidentally destroying baking recipes by adding too much flour, and appreciating a good Netflix docuseries binge.
October Sessions
Advocacy during crisis
We welcomed our Sara Skoda and Patient Coach Charlotte Rensberger to speak about advocacy during crisis!
We learned the importance of self-advocacy and what exactly it entails.
Did you know that self-advocacy is the ability to put your needs into words?
This is especially necessary during crisis, when sometimes our minds shut down due to stress or panic. Sara and Charlotte educated us on grounding techniques such as breathing and counting to help us cope with any distress we may experience during a crisis and provided us with valuable resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) and the online resource, Nami.org.
With our last meeting of the year right around the corner on Wednesday December 9th at 7pm EST, we hope to see you to celebrate Ostomy Mythmas with us at our holiday extravaganza!
Apple Crapple
In a shaker combine apple cider, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar with ice. Shake until well combined. Pour into cup and top with ginger beer and garnish with a few fresh cranberries for a spark of color.
Apple Crapple
Ingredients:
- 2 oz apple cider, chilled (1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 oz ginger beer, chilled (1/2 cup)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Preparation:
In a shaker combine apple cider, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar with ice. Shake until well combined. Pour into cup and top with ginger beer and garnish with a few fresh cranberries for a spark of color.
